Just months after leading the San Antonio Spurs to the NBA Finals, Victor Wembanyama is already focused on the next challenge. The young superstar reunited a large portion of the Spurs roster in Paris this week for a mid-summer mini-camp, bringing teammates together well before the usual preseason preparation begins.
Key Takeaways from Wembanyama's Paris Camp
- Victor Wembanyama hosted a mid-summer Spurs mini-camp in France, bringing together much of San Antonio's projected rotation.
- The offseason gathering includes stars such as De'Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper, Stephon Castle, and new addition Tobias Harris.
- Wembanyama is prioritizing his long-term health while continuing to develop his post game and scoring versatility.
- The Spurs star is using lessons from the NBA Finals run to prepare for another championship push.
Wembanyama Brings Spurs Together in France
The Spurs shared a photo of Wembanyama training at his gym in Nanterre, France, alongside seven teammates: Carter Bryant, De'Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper, Stephon Castle, Harrison Barnes, Jordan McLaughlin, and free-agent signing Tobias Harris.
The group represents much of San Antonio's projected rotation and is expected to spend around a week working together at the home of Wembanyama's former club, Nanterre 92, where he now owns a stake. Center Kelly Olynyk, who played for the Spurs last season and is currently a free agent, is also participating in the workouts.
A Culture Built Around Wembanyama's Leadership
The commitment shown by the Spurs roster reflects the influence Wembanyama has already established within the organization.
Spurs CEO R.C. Buford praised the 2023 No. 1 overall pick for his professionalism and dedication. "There are not many times where 10 guys from a team are flying halfway around the world to go work out together. And that’s done because of the respect and admiration and joy that Victor brings."
The participation of De'Aaron Fox is particularly notable. Fox battled an ankle injury during the team's Finals run and previously missed time during the offseason following wrist surgery. Meanwhile, Wembanyama was also working his way back after undergoing treatment for a blood clot in his shoulder that ended his 2024-25 season early. Keeping the core healthy throughout the offseason will be crucial as San Antonio looks to make another deep playoff run.
From Recovery to Championship-Level Preparation
Last offseason, Wembanyama's mission was simple: rebuild his body and return stronger. Rather than only focusing on recovering, he pushed himself through an intense training program that included sessions with Shaolin monks in China before returning to the United States for a demanding conditioning routine.
That preparation paid off. Wembanyama proved he could handle the physical demands of a championship chase, taking a major step forward compared with the previous season. Although he could not deliver a title, his Finals experience showed that he possesses the talent and physical tools to compete at the highest level.
Health Remains a Priority for the Spurs Star
Former NBA All-Star Chris Bosh, whose career was impacted by blood clot issues, recently highlighted the importance of Wembanyama staying disciplined with his recovery and medical routine. With his health under control, Wembanyama can now shift more attention toward improving his game—and he has already identified a major area of focus.
Wembanyama Expands His Offensive Arsenal
One of Wembanyama's biggest offseason goals is developing a stronger post game. In a video shared by the Spurs, the 7-foot-4 star was seen practicing the "Dirk Fade", the signature one-footed fadeaway popularized by Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki.
The move is part of Wembanyama's effort to become a more complete scorer. After the NBA Finals, he returned to France before working out in Texas alongside Fox, Harris, and Barnes. He also continued training with legendary big man Hakeem Olajuwon, who helped him improve his post skills last summer.
Wembanyama's playoff run revealed one key weakness: creating his own shot consistently against elite defenses. During the postseason, he often thrived as an offensive hub through screens and interior positioning. However, when opponents adjusted defensively, he struggled to generate reliable scoring opportunities.
Against physical big men such as Isaiah Hartenstein, Jaylin Williams, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Mitchell Robinson, Wembanyama sometimes found himself out of position when catching the ball, limiting his ability to attack the rim effectively. Developing a dependable midrange shot, post moves, and additional scoring options will be critical for his next evolution.
Learning From the Legends
Wembanyama continues to seek knowledge from some of basketball's greatest interior scorers. Reflecting on his work with Hakeem Olajuwon, he highlighted the value of learning the small details that make elite post players successful. The Spurs gained invaluable experience during their Finals journey, discovering both their strengths and limitations.
Last summer was about rebuilding Wembanyama's foundation and making him stronger. This offseason is about refinement—turning that physical growth into a more complete and unstoppable game. With a healthier body, improved chemistry, and a growing offensive arsenal, Wembanyama enters the new season ready to take another major step toward championship glory.
